Across parts of six southern states tonight there is extensive damage, and in some places total devastation from a series of tornadoes. At least 285 people are dead and nearly one million customers are without electricity.
Hardest hit is Alabama, where at least 198 people died.
There's a path of destruction up to seven miles long and a mile wide in Tuscaloosa.
"I don't know how anyone survived. It is an amazing scene," said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox.
"There are parts of this city that I don't recognize. That's someone who has lived here his entire life," he added.
To the east, in Birmingham, Mayor William A. Bell said parts of the city looked like a war zone. Homes and business are now left in ruins. Search dogs are going house-to-house looking for possible victims.
President Obama will visit Alabama Friday.
34 people died in Tennessee, according to emergency officials. 32 people are dead in Mississippi, 15 in Georgia, eight in Virginia and one in Arkansas.
We'll have live reports from the disaster zone.
Also tonight, Anderson reports from London with just hours to go before the royal wedding.
This evening Prince William greeted well-wishers outside the Clarence House, the royal residence.
When asked how he was feeling, he replied, "I hope I'm not too nervous."
Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET on CNN.
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Post by: Maureen Miller Filed under: The Buzz |
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Virginia also had tornatos & destruction, but nothing like Alabama. Our Governor stated that Va was in a state of emergency. It was very scary storm!
Southern Storms: Until Alabama implements building codes, such as Kansas has, to require underground spaces in which to hide, innocent people will continue to die from tornados. My son was in Tuscaloosa's tornado yesterday. Fortunately, he is alright. But to most Alabamians, the storm sirens simply mean – "you're a sitting duck". In more than 90% of homes and buildings, there is no place underground to hide. Isn't it time for a change?